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Portland Mercury's Mid-Season Report
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  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6475

    Posted 01/13/2011 10:42 AM

    Halfway To Nowhere-
    If Aldridge leads this glorious new cavalcade of Blazers, he shares the responsibility with Andre Miller. His two-year stint in Portland has been tumultuous at best, as Miller has continuously clashed with Roy's dawdling offensive tempo. He and Coach Nate McMillan have long since patched their relationship—their on-court fulminations a thing of the past—and the wily veteran point guard was handed the keys to the franchise while Roy is on the extend mend, at least for the time being. Miller's advancing age (Derek Fisher and Jason Kidd are the only other starting point guards older than Dre) and looming contract have branded his name to countless trade rumors. The Blazers front office isn't one to show their hand, but in the past five games Aussie backup Patty Mills has usurped Miller's minutes, playing nearly three times as much as the veteran in the final quarter over this stretch. This stat is far more telling than any trade rumor, hinting that Miller's departure from Portland might not be triggered by a phone call from a rival general manager, but from within.

    A point guard not getting any younger or cheaper is just one of the many looming quandaries the Blazers must address in this season's second half. The team has handled themselves remarkably well considering the crutch of Roy was swiped out from under them, but at press time the Blazers stand with a 20-18 record. This puts them on pace to stumble into the postseason, then quickly exit in the first round. They are a prizefight patsy, good enough to advance to the storied NBA second season, but hardly the sort of team that could bump off perennial winners like the San Antonio Spurs or the aforementioned Lakers. It's likely the Blazers will make the playoffs—possibly even as high as a sixth seed—but ultimately it might be a consolation victory.

    CONTINUE READING>>>

    I think the point about Portland needing a point guard who can lead this team for the next 5+ years is on point. PG's are the generals out there on the hardwood. Not only do they have the responsibility of running the show, finding each and every teammate in the proper place, but also being enough of a threat to get their own when the opportunity presents itself.
    I am a fan of
  1. blazerdarren77
    blazerdarren77
    Posts: 215

    Posted 01/13/2011 8:59 PM

    Patty's energy and enthusiasm will ultimately land him the starting job down the road. He already has been a contributing factor with the starting unit as shown in his play in the closing minutes these past few games.
    I am a fan of
  1. Tobyus Sanchezo
    Tobyus Sanchezo
    Posts: 1599

    Posted 01/14/2011 4:17 AM

    Armon's gettin' paid ain't he? Put Johnson in the game coach, make him earn it!
    I am a fan of playoffs in two zero one three
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    Recent Discussions

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